“Damn, lil’ man,” I said, smirking. “You look like you done caught feelings and caught a case at the same time.”
“I ain’t catch feelings. I just… I’on know. She’s different.”
“Ain’t that what every nigga say when he’s ’bout to fall?” I shifted Jet on my hip, grabbed a napkin, and wiped his mouth. “Talk to me.”
He exhaled, dropped his bookbag, and sat at the table. “Her name’s Layla. She’s in my homeroom. She got these braids, like them slick ones Ma be getting, and she smells like strawberries or some shit.”
I grinned. “Nigga, you been out here sniffin’ girls?”
“Man, stop playing wit’ me.”
“I’m just saying.” I sat down across from him. “You told her you like her?”
“Hell nah. I can’t say that off rip.”
“But you want to.”
“Yeah.”
“Then say it. Don’t be no scary ass nigga. Be real, be respectful, and be ready for whatever her answer is. That’s it.”
He looked down, nodding slow. “What if she don’t like me back?”
“Then you take that shit on the chin like a man. You feel it, you speak it. Let her decide. Don’t ever hold your tongue outta fear.”
Jet let out a screech like I was talking to him, dropping his cup, and clapping his sticky hands. I kissed the top of his head.
“That make sense?” I asked Jace.
“Yeah, Pops. Thanks.”
“Good. Now go clean up that bookbag up before your mama walk in here and trip over it.”
As if on cue, the front door opened, and I heard heels clicking across the floor. Jet took off like a rocket.
“Ma-ma!”
Kasha’s laugh rang out loud and warm. “Hey, baby!” She scooped Jet up and blew kisses on his cheeks, then walked into the kitchen, eyes landing on me with that familiar curl of her lip.
“You been home all day and still left Jet’s toys in the hallway?”
“I was having man talk with Jace.”
“Uh, huh.” She set Jet on his feet and gave me a kiss. “And what was y’all talking about?”
“Nothing,” Jace mumbled.
“His lil’ ass in love,” I blabbed, causing him to cut his eyes at me.
Kasha’s eyes lit up. “Oooh…my boy got a little crush?”
“I’ain say all that.”
“Yeah, you did,” I said, smirking. “Go do your homework, Romeo.”
When he left the kitchen, Kasha turned to me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“You smell like sweat and peanut butter.”
